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Anatomy & Physiology: Body Organization and Terminology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the anatomical position?
    The standard position where the body is erect, facing forward, with palms facing forward, used to communicate anatomical information.
  • Define anterior (ventral) in anatomical terms.
    Toward the front of the body. Example: The palms are on the anterior side.
  • Define posterior (dorsal) in anatomical terms.
    Toward the back of the body. Example: The occipital bone is posterior to the cranium.
  • What does superior (cranial) mean?
    Toward the head or upper part of the body. Example: The nose is superior to the mouth.
  • What does inferior (caudal) mean?
    Toward the tail or lower part of the body. Example: The umbilicus is inferior to the chest.
  • Define proximal in anatomical terms.
    Closer to the point of origin, usually the trunk. Example: The knee is proximal to the ankle.
  • Define distal in anatomical terms.
    Farther from the point of origin, usually the trunk. Example: The wrist is distal to the elbow.
  • What does medial mean?
    Closer to the midline of the body or body part. Example: The index finger is medial to the thumb.
  • What does lateral mean?
    Farther from the midline of the body or body part. Example: The thumb is lateral to the index finger.
  • Define superficial.
    Closer to the surface of the body. Example: The skin is superficial to the muscles.
  • Define deep.
    Farther below the surface of the body. Example: Bone is deep to the skin.
  • What are the two broad regional divisions of the body?
    Axial region (head, neck, trunk) and appendicular region (upper and lower limbs).
  • What is a body cavity?
    A space within the body that protects organs and allows them to move.
  • Name the two main posterior body cavities.
    Cranial cavity (protects the brain) and vertebral (spinal) cavity (protects the spinal cord).
  • What fluid fills the posterior body cavities?
    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which bathes the brain and spinal cord.
  • What are the subdivisions of the thoracic cavity?
    Pleural cavity (surrounds lungs), mediastinum (between pleural cavities), and pericardial cavity (inside mediastinum).
  • What are the subdivisions of the abdominal pelvic cavity?
    Abdominal cavity (superior) and pelvic cavity (inferior).
  • How is the abdominal cavity further divided?
    Into four quadrants: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ, and nine regions.
  • What does the term 'left' and 'right' refer to in anatomy?
    The sides of the body as seen in the anatomical position.
  • Give an example of a proximal-distal relationship.
    The shoulder is proximal to the elbow; the wrist is distal to the elbow.